Acne Cream
Tracked ingredients
Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database — one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
Goes into your pores and dissolves the oil and dead skin clogging them. Best for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily, acne-prone skin.
Liu Y et al., Clinical Efficacy of a Salicylic Acid-Containing Gel on Acne Management and Skin Barrier Function: A 21-Day Prospective Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70353 — salicylic acid gel reduced acne lesions, regulated sebum, improved hydration and barrier function
Ye R et al., 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel vs. adapalene gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: multicenter, randomized, evaluator-blind, parallel-controlled trial, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2024;23(6):2125-2134 — 2% SSA hydrogel was equally effective as adapalene gel for mild-to-moderate acne
Liu H et al., Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid for acne, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2020;5:CD011368 — conclusion: clinical benefit is unclear
Also called "cica," it calms redness, repairs the skin barrier, and speeds up healing. The go-to for irritated or reactive skin.
Su Z et al., The Effectiveness and Safety of a Skin Care Product With Centella asiatica Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, and Panthenol in Subjects With Sensitive Skin: A Prospective, Observational Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70324 — Sun Yat-Sen U 4-week study; cream provided rapid relief of facial redness and supported barrier function
Cho SY et al., Comparative analysis of bioactive compounds and the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of Centella asiatica, Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry 2025;68:30 — Jeju-grown C. asiatica matched/exceeded imported sources for asiaticoside content; in RAW264.7 + HaCaT models inhibited iNOS/COX-2/IL-1β/IL-6 and accelerated HaCaT wound closure
Wang L et al., A two-center randomized controlled trial of a repairing mask as an adjunctive treatment for mild to moderate rosacea, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2024;23(10):3281-3286 — Centella asiatica repairing mask adjunct to minocycline improved IGA, repaired barrier, reduced rosacea symptoms (n=64)
A multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out. One of the safest do-a-little-of-everything ingredients.
Korean authors et al., Anti-acne and Tolerance Assessment of a Cleanser Containing Salicylic Acid, Gluconolactone and Niacinamide, Asian Journal of Beauty and Cosmetology 2024;22(3):383-391 — 4-week clinical trial (n=43 oily acne-prone): significant reduction in inflammatory + non-inflammatory acne lesions and sebum content; 2-week safety (n=39 sensitive skin) confirmed tolerance
Korean authors et al., A split-face study to evaluate the efficacy of a dissolving microneedle-encapsulated niacinamide skin patch for the reduction of facial hyperpigmentation, Archives of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2022;28(4):113-118 — 17-patient 2-week split-face RCT: DMN niacinamide patch significantly reduced epidermal pigmentation score and melanin score vs untreated control side
Liu H et al., Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2020;5:CD011368 — conclusion: clinical benefit is unclear
Sources: PubMed · KCI · J-Stage · CNKI · Wanfang · SFD · MFDS · Cochrane · SCCS · CIR. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for what each outcome label means.
Layering conflicts
Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.
- Retinolhigh
Retinol + salicylic acid can over-exfoliate and damage the barrier. Alternate nights.
- Tretinoinhigh
Tretinoin + salicylic acid — major irritation risk. Strict separation required.
- Glycolic Acidmedium
AHA + BHA stacking risks over-exfoliation. Use a pre-formulated AHA/BHA product or alternate days.
- Vitamin Clow
Sensitive skin may flush.
Similar comparisons
Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.